Direct Support Professional

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) provides direct care, support, and companionship to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), helping them live full, independent, and self-directed lives within their homes and communities. The DSP promotes dignity, choice, and person-centered practices in all aspects of care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Personal Care & Daily Living Support

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility
• Support meal planning, preparation, and feeding as needed, accommodating special diets
• Administer medications per training and physician orders, and maintain accurate medication administration records (MARs)
• Monitor and document health status, reporting changes to supervisors, nurses, or medical professionals

Community & Social Engagement

• Support individuals in community integration activities (shopping, recreation, appointments, employment, volunteering)
• Facilitate participation in social, educational, and recreational activities aligned with personal interests and goals
• Provide transportation to appointments, activities, and community outings

Person-Centered Planning & Skill Building

• Implement individual support plans (ISPs) and behavior support plans as directed
• Teach and reinforce skills that promote independence (budgeting, cooking, hygiene, communication, social skills)
• Support individuals in making informed choices and self-advocacy

Health & Safety

• Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy living environment
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, including administering first aid/CPR as needed
• Follow all infection control, universal precautions, and safety protocols
• Recognize and report signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation per mandated reporting requirements

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation (progress notes, incident reports, data collection)

• Adhere to HIPAA, agency policies, and state/federal regulations governing IDD services
• Attend required trainings (CPR/First Aid, medication administration, behavior support, abuse prevention, etc.)

Communication & Teamwork

• Communicate effectively with individuals served, families, guardians, and interdisciplinary team members
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and care plan reviews

Collaborate with nurses, therapists, case managers, and other professionals

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record (if transporting individuals)
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Pass background check, drug screening, and required health screenings (TB test, etc.)
• Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification and complete state-mandated DSP training

JOB REQUIREMENTS / EXPECTATIONS:

Skills and Competencies

• Patience, compassion, and genuine commitment to person-centered care
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and use sound judgment in emergencies or crisis situations
• Basic computer skills for documentation
• Reliability and punctuality
• Cultural competency and respect for diversity

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift/transfer individuals (specify weight, e.g., up to 50 lbs) with or without assistive devices

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations

CORE VALUES:

All employees must be willing to live our company's core values.

• Integrity – Exhibiting the highest moral, ethical and legal standards. Doing the right thing – even when no one else is looking.
• Teamwork – Putting team success over personal success. Actively valuing the strengths and talents of others.
• Trust/Respect– Seeing and believing in the good intentions of others. Interacting with others in a way that makes them feel valued. Listening without judging. Offering understanding and acceptance.
• Care/Compassion – Demonstrating unconditional kindness, concern and empathy. Exhibiting genuine concern for others.
• Ownership/Accountability – Taking personal responsibility for one’s work, actions and feelings. Accepting responsibility for and learning from mistakes.